Children’s Books About Being Thankful

Each year Thanksgiving comes around and I find myself talking about being grateful with my children. We talk about what we are thankful for and who to thank for our blessings. I teach my kids to appreciate what they have because, while it might not be what they WANT, it’s what they NEED.

It’s important to me that my children understand that they have so much to be thankful for, but then those conversations seem to go away during the rest of the year. This year, I’m striving to point out what I’m grateful for with my children and engage in conversation year-round. In the spirit of gratitude, we’ve compiled eight amazing books that are not just seasonal reads, but books that will keep thankfulness top of mind well into Spring.

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Books About Being Thankful

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Who doesn’t love the Bear series? Karma Wilson is back with bear and his friends. Bear wants to throw a feast for al his friends but his cupboards are bare. His friends come one after another with treats and goodies until a feast is compiled. It’s sort of like Stone Soup without the trickery!

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

Marking the end of the Mo Willems series about Elephant and Piggie, this is a spectacular book. Piggie wants to thank everyone he knows because he is just SOOO thankful, but Elephant gets worried he might be forgetting someone important. (He doesn’t.)

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

A classic for a reason! Sylvester finds a magic pebble that makes all his wishes come true, but when his wishes have unexpected consequences, he is left learning that maybe he had what he wanted all along.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

As parents, we realize that The Giving Tree gets the wrong end of the stick. She gives and gives and gives but gets nothing in return. But that’s just it! Love is not about being fair. It’s about giving what you can to those who need it. It’s the act of giving that is wonderful – also, I always make sure my kids know that little boy is being bad and should be more grateful. So consider it a book to inspire conversation as well!

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Boy did I cry when reading this story. The main character wants the hot shoes that everyone else has, but his grandmother can’t afford them. So he buys a pair from the thrift store that he can afford but that are too small. When he realizes that another little boy has shoes that are falling apart, he gladly forks them over and accepts the shoes his grandmother can afford instead. It’s like that song Christmas Shoes – I cry every time!

Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

We all know the story of the Lion and the Mouse. How the lion saves the mouse and the mouse saves him back. The story emphasizes the need to be kind because what goes around come back around. This particular version has no words but gorgeous illustrations. I love to “read” it to my kids and then have them read it back to me.

100 Ways to Be Thankful by National Geographic

Gratitude is for showing all year long. This adorable book helps little ones express their thanks in 100 creative and easy ways. The idea is for kids — and parents — to slow down, be mindful, and appreciate life’s gifts.

Otis Gives Thanks by Loren Long

Otis is the world’s cutest tractor. I love this whole series, but this book, in particular, is a great one for showcasing thankfulness all year long. Otis recounts all he is grateful for in the signature prose and gorgeous illustrations that make this series special.